Newmarket man reportedly contemplated police shootout

One of two men charged in an incident Friday that involved dozens of shots being fired in Newmarket told a friend he was contemplating engaging in a shoot-out with police, according to court documents.

Matthew Henderson, 38, of 6 Salmon St., Newmarket, was arraigned on felony reckless conduct charges at Candia District Court Monday after he reportedly admitted that he fired a “high-powered rifle” into a wooded area around 6:27 a.m. Friday.

According to an affidavit, Henderson told police he was shooting at a groundhog, though no dead animal or blood were found in the area.

Concerned friends and family members have asked police to periodically check on Henderson’s well-being, court documents said.

“On 1-12-14, Henderson told a friend, via text message, he had eight magazines loaded with armor-piercing ammunition and that if police came to his house one more time, it would end in a shoot-out,” the affidavit states.

Candia District Court Judge David G. LeFrancios, citing a “substantial risk to community safety,” increased cash bail from $7,500 to $100,000, with restrictions that Henderson refrain from possessing a firearm, destructive device, dangerous weapon or ammunition.

He is also required to abstain from alcohol, controlled substances and narcotic drugs.

Court documents reveal eight .357 SIG shell casings were found on Henderson’s back porch; another 10 casings were found inside the residence. Forty-one bullet holes were also found in the fireplace, and a .177 caliber pellet rifle was left on the couch in the living room.

The other man arrested Friday, Stephen Givens Jr., 25, of North Berwick, Maine, was not arraigned with Henderson. He has a July 1 court date in Brentwood District Court. Givens told police Henderson “fired approximately 10 rounds for no legitimate reason,” though Givens also admitted to firing two shots from a handgun.